September/October 2025
TCTC Foundation Breaks Fundraising Record
The TCTC Foundation wrapped up fiscal year 2024-2025 with an unprecedented record-breaking fundraising year, raising more than $2.6 million in support of student scholarships, professional development for employees, and other College priorities. This is the largest annual total in the Foundation’s 43-year history.
TCTC’s Foundation holds the largest endowment of any technical college in South Carolina, with assets exceeding $45 million. It is also among the largest foundations of its kind nationwide.
Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, outlined this year’s accomplishments at the College’s Annual Report Reception held on October 14.
The TCTC Foundation:
• Expended $1.75 million to support student scholarships, professional development and educational support.
• Raised more than $16,000 for the Student Emergency Fund, and launched an Employee Emergency Assistance Fund, raising more than $20,000 to support colleagues facing unexpected hardships.
• Visionary donors like Jim and Julee Kaplan led support for the Dual Enrollment Academy, which aims to raise $5 million over five years.
• Becky Jo Clark, Clemson resident and retired educator, public health administrator, and financial planner, named the third-floor terrace in Oconee Hall, creating a lasting space for student connection and collaboration.
“Creating transformative student and employee experiences is at the heart of everything we do at Tri-County, and the 2024-2025 academic year was no exception. Thank you again for your support and for helping us break barriers and build dreams,” said White.
Vulcan Materials Company Named Philanthropist of the Year
Vulcan Materials Company and Vulcan Materials Company Foundation is the 2025 recipient of the Tri-County Technical College Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year award.
This is the Foundation’s highest and most prestigious honor reserved for individuals, foundations, companies, trusts, organizations or other entities that have made a significant financial contribution, either cash or non-cash, to the Foundation to support the work of the College.
right: Courtney White, executive director of TCTC’s Foundation, right, presented the Philanthropist of the Year award to Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager of Vulcan Materials Company South Carolina Division located in Piedmont, left.
is published six times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.
Mailing Address (All Campuses)
P. O. Box 587
Pendleton, SC 29670
Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC
Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd. Anderson, SC
Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC
Oconee Campus
552 Education Way Westminster, SC
Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282)
Toll-free
1-866-269-5677
tctc.edu
Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. TriCounty Technical College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.
Tri-County Technical College’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at tctc.edu/TitleIX. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to tctc.edu/TitleIX.
Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams
On October 14, Tri-County Technical College hosted our Annual Report Reception, a special evening that brought together faculty, staff, donors, alumni and community partners to celebrate the achievements of FY2024-2025. I want to thank everyone who joined us and continues to support our mission. Your commitment is the foundation of our success.
This year’s theme, Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams, reflects the transformative work happening across our campuses and communities. I was proud to share that TCTC continues to lead the S.C. Technical College System in graduation, success and transfer rates. Nationally, we rank in the 90th percentile for student success, a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students.
Regarding new programs, I spoke about the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy we launched in partnership with Clemson University. This groundbreaking initiative provides high school students who are the first in their family to attend college with a guaranteed path to a Clemson degree at little to no cost. I also highlighted a new Physical Therapy Assistant program at our Easley Campus, fully funded by AnMed and Elite Integrated Therapy Centers, to meet critical workforce needs in health care.
Our learning environments saw major investments, including the reopening of Oconee Hall and the start of construction on Pickens Hall. We also unveiled the Anderson Campus master plan, a $31 million vision to create a regional hub for manufacturing, logistics and transportation.
Lastly, I shared that the Tri-County Technical College Foundation had a record-breaking year, raising more than $2.6 million and awarding nearly $750,000 in scholarships to 642 students. We honored Vulcan Materials Company as our Philanthropist of the Year and celebrated Distinguished Alumni of the Year award winner Kayla Witthoeft, whose career in nursing and research is making a global impact.
These accomplishments are more than milestones. They are stories of lives changed and futures made possible. Thank you for being part of the Tri-County story. Together, we are breaking barriers and building dreams, one student at a time.
In your service,
Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President
P.S. Visit tctc.edu/annualreport to learn more or scan the QR code to watch a brief highlight reel.
Dr. Galen DeHay President
Kayla Witthoeft Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
Kayla Cromer Witthoeft, a two-time TCTC graduate, is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. She earned a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree in 2010 and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in 2012.
The recipient of this award must have been awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Tri-County; must have graduated at least one year ago; and must have made significant contributions to the College, the Alumni Association or the community.
It’s been a professionally rewarding and memorable year for Kayla Witthoeft, whose expertise as a post anesthesia and critical care nurse, educator and researcher at Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital (OMH) has garnered local, state, national and even international recognitions.
Her most recent accolade is the TCTC Distinguished Alumni of the Year award given to her at the College’s Annual Report Reception held October 14.
“Receiving the TCTC Distinguished Alumni award is a true honor and a full circle moment. Tri-County is my foundation. I have my career because of TCTC. I am grateful to be honored by the people who supported me when I was a student,” said Witthoeft.
Last year Witthoeft was among the 100 nurses selected to receive a SC Palmetto Gold award, and Prisma Health presented her with its Excellence in Nursing Research award.
Last summer she proudly and nervously stood before a crowd of 15,000 fellow health care professionals at the 2024 American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) International Magnet Conference® and ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® in New Orleans to accept the National Magnet Nurse of the Year award in the category of New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvements. Witthoeft, BSN, RN, ONC, CPAN, CCRN, was only one of five nurse innovators in the world to be recognized for conducting research leading to best practices for their patients.
OMH received its first Magnet designation in 2024 and earned 12 exemplars. A Magnet-designated hospital is considered the gold standard for nursing practice and innovation, certified as a place where nurses are empowered to lead change and drive improvements. Magnet hospitals also promote advanced education and typically offer improved work environments and patient outcomes. Only 10% of U.S. hospitals hold this designation.
In 2021, with an interprofessional team, Witthoeft spearheaded efforts to reduce emergence delirium for pediatric post operative patients. Emergence delirium is a temporary state of confusion and agitation that can occur when a patient wakes up from anesthesia.
Work by the OMH team resulted in an immediate 42% reduction at the hospital. This work has been presented internationally and published in the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing.
Witthoeft also led a research study which found that pre-warming surgical patients reduces hypothermia rates by 50% and significantly reduces the risk of subsequent infections and cardiac complications. This work has been presented at the National Critical Care conference, International Conference for PeriAnaesthesia Nurses (ICPAN) in Ireland, and the Magnet conference.
“The team’s work demonstrates the power of evidence-based practices and continuous improvement. I’m privileged to work with a group of nurses who enthusiastically embrace new knowledge. This isn’t a personal achievement but a testament to the incredible teamwork and support I have received from my colleagues,” she said. “Without their collaboration, this honor would not be possible.”
Witthoeft began her nursing career after graduating from TCTC’s LPN and ADN programs. She transferred to Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
When she isn’t working as a bedside nurse in ICU and the recovery room, she teaches TCTC LPN students one day a week during a 12hour clinical rotation.
Witthoeft says she has always been drawn to pursue a career in health care. After graduating from Seneca High School, she decided to pursue a physical therapy degree and was headed to college at North Georgia University. “I was accepted but changed my mind when I began to weigh the cost of an out-of-state, four-year education.
After the 2008 recession, it wasn’t an option. My mom had graduated from TCTC, so I decided to start there.” She attended TCTC on a Ruby and Ernest Hicks Scholarship through the College’s Foundation and graduated debt free. “It was the right decision,” she said.
Witthoeft began her career in Charlotte, N.C., after graduating from Clemson University. She worked as a trauma nurse for six years before moving back to Oconee County, where she lives with her husband and children.
In 2022, she applied to be a clinical nursing instructor for TCTC on her day off. “It’s a privilege to watch my students care for patients and grow throughout the semester. I love encouraging them as they find their footing and develop into the nurses they’re meant to be. I get to work alongside many of my former students at OMH, and it fills me with pride to watch them succeed and live out their dreams. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said.
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Kayla Witthoeft
Colleagues Honor Linda Jameison at Retirement Celebration
Linda Jameison’s contributions to the College and the community were celebrated at a retirement drop-in held August 26 at the TCTC Foundation Farmhouse.
Jameison joined the College’s leadership team January 2, 2015, as assistant vice president for student support and engagement and several years later was promoted to vice president. Over the past decade, she and her team have always put students first with a strategic plan for student success, retention and engagement. Jameison’s dedication to students’ success is evident in everything she does – whether it is leading the College’s student engagement and support efforts or providing leadership to student development, community campuses, student records, tutoring services, career and employability resources, and the Learning Commons.
“I want to thank each colleague for the work you do to challenge and support students in their educational journey,” said Jameison. “Our ability to engage in our own professional growth journey is informed by each other, and I have benefited from working with, and learning from, this TCTC team of incredible educators in and out of the classroom. Thank you to Galen DeHay for bringing me to TCTC and his confidence that I could make a difference here. And thank you to our exceptional Student Affairs Dean Team and Student Affairs Division folks, my Executive Staff partners, Rebecca Pokorny
for managing me, and each of you who transform lives and build strong communities, one student and one colleague at a time,” Jameison said.
retirement celebration.
Jameison’s dedication to students’ success, as well as her leadership in student affairs organizations across the state, earned her the South Carolina College Personnel Association (SCCPA) Clarice W. Johnson Outstanding Professional Award in 2017. She served as past president of SCCPA, member at large, and past co-editor of the newsletter. Within the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA), she served as chair of the Resolutions Committee, Career Development Committee, and Co-Chair of the New Professionals Committee. In each of these positions, Jameison gave significant time, energy and resources. She served as a mentor to students and staff, built collaborative relationships with faculty and community partners and mentored many current SCCPA professionals.
The College has been truly fortunate to have a leader like Linda, someone who is genuinely committed to making a difference in students’ lives and finding ways to help them have a transformative student experience. We wish her well in her retirement.
New Adjunct Faculty Orientation Hosted by Office of Academic Development
The Office of Academic Development hosted an orientation for new adjunct faculty members on August 13. The attendees were greeted by their respective academic deans or representatives and were able to visit resource tables. They also met other adjuncts who shared tips and best practices with colleagues. Several alumni are serving as adjuncts this semester.
left: Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dean of our Health Education Division, talks with adjunct instructors, two of whom are TCTC alumni. Mechelle Clark, left, and Brittney Autry, middle, are both graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program and both work as med surg nurses. Clark works at Prisma Health and Autry works at AnMed.
center: Jenna Belfance, who received an associate degree in business administration in 2012, will teach Marketing 240 online. Belfance, who is manager of the Esso Club in Clemson, also holds a bachelor’s degree in business from North Greenville University and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Wesleyan University.
right: Donna Morris, a 2024 CNC graduate, teaches CNC classes this semester. She is employed as a machine operator I at Arthrex.
Linda Jameison and her mother, Sally Jameison, pose at Linda’s
Linda Jameison
Career Fair Draws Nearly 340
The Career and Employability Resources (CER) office hosted the annual fall Career Fair on September 22 in the Anderson Hall Event Center.
The career fair was a huge success for everyone involved, with nearly 340 students networking with 33 employers who came looking to fill full-time, part-time and internship positions.
The annual Career Fair is an opportunity for students and soonto-be graduates to talk about job opportunities with recruiters and managers from business and public services, manufacturing and health care and to develop a network of career contacts. Also, representatives will be on hand to talk about apprenticeship partnerships as a pathway to employment while students are in college.
It was the largest career fair CER has hosted since 2023, said Ellen Pate, director of CER. “We had students and alumni from all divisions at the College in attendance. Employers represented business and financial industries, criminal justice, early education, health care and advanced manufacturing.”
What Students Said:
• 80% heard about the fair from their instructors.
• Students came to explore career paths, learn about different industries, or actively job/internship hunt.
• Nearly half felt extremely prepared, and 85% said they’d recommend the fair to a friend.
Nursing students talk with representatives from AnMed.
What Employers Said:
• 95% would recommend the event to other recruiters.
• They gave the fair a 4.6 out of 5 for organization, support, and student quality.
• Employers loved the smooth setup, great communication, and engaged students.
“This was the best TCTC career fair I’ve attended in the last five years,” said Kellie Boone, hiring manager at Horton. “The students were prepared and engaged in good conversations. I was very impressed with the interaction between vendors and students. You could tell students researched our company and asked valuable questions about the process to join our team,” she said.
above, left: Mary Wesley, second from left, from the Clemson Child Development Center, and Annie Platt, seated, a TCTC alumna who recently joined Atreus Medical Surgical Association in Seneca, attended the fair.
Dr. Platt, now a full-time nurse practitioner, received an Associate in Science degree in 2015 and an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2017. She later graduated from Clemson University and recently earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in adult geriatric medicine from MUSC.
above, right: TD Bank Retail Banker Jeffrey Cobb Henderson, right, shakes hands with Kathan Shah, an Associate in Science major.
left: Charles Gilbert, regional recruiter for Fastenal, right, talks with students about opportunities with the company.
Four Community Leaders Join Foundation Board
Four community leaders have been elected to serve on the TCTC Foundation Board of Directors.
Members of the board raise money to supplement appropriations thereby helping the College to meet the educational needs of the citizens of the tri-county area.
Joining the board’s current members are:
Paul Hecker
Paul Hecker is the owner and managing partner of Elite Integrated Therapy Centers, which he founded in 2006 after gaining clinical experience in Virginia, New York and Charleston.
A graduate of Furman University, he earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Mobile and completed a Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015. Hecker played a lead role in establishing the Physical Therapy Assistant program at TCTC’s Easley Campus in partnership with AnMed and Elite. He brings a strong commitment to patient care, education, and business leadership.
Mike Mansuetti
Mike Mansuetti is the former president of Bosch in North America, a role he held for 12 years until his retirement in October 2024. He joined Bosch in 1988 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical
engineering from Clemson University. Over his career, he held key executive leadership positions in engineering, manufacturing, and management across the U.S. and Germany. As president, he was instrumental in fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture across the company’s diverse business sectors.
Rita Rao
Rita Rao began her career as an entrylevel marketing research analyst and concluded as executive vice president for the largest toy company in the world, Mattel, Inc.
Responsible for worldwide product design, engineering, manufacturing and marketing, she managed $2 billion in sales with one of the biggest brand names in history, the Barbie doll.
Susan Stamey
Susan Stamey is a partner at Stancil Cooley Estep & Stamey, LLP, where she brings expertise in accounting, finance and business advisory services.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in professional accountancy, both from Clemson University. With a strong foundation in both technology and finance, Stamey is known for her strategic insight and dedication to serving clients across a range of industries.
Student Affairs Superheroes Team Wins Battle of the Brains
The TCTC Foundation hosted its second annual Battle of the Brains, a fun and friendly four-category trivia competition that benefits the College’s Student Emergency Fund.
The Student Emergency Fund supports the purchase of textbooks, gas cards, academic supplies, etc., for students who are in an emergency situation and are at risk of not continuing their education due to unexpected financial dilemmas.
Employees gave to the Student Emergency Fund by purchasing tickets for one or more of the 20+ amazing winning opportunities.
Thanks to your generosity, the TCTC Foundation raised more than $4,500 with 212 employees donating to the Student Emergency Fund—supporting students when they need it most.
Team Student Affairs Superheroes was the winner of the Battle of the Brains trivia competition. Congratulations to, pictured from left, Som Linthicom, Marla Cobb, Brent Oxley, Evan Bate, Dr. Mark Dougherty and Brady Cross.
TCTC Foundation Hosts Annual Abney Day Celebration
The TCTC Foundation sponsored its annual Abney Day on September 17. The event gives Hayden Abney Fulp Memorial Scholars the opportunity to personally thank Abney Foundation representatives for providing funds to support their education.
Since 1989, The Abney Foundation has been a key supporter of Tri-County Technical College, providing invaluable resources to students, faculty, and staff. As the College’s largest donor, the Abney Foundation has contributed $5,030,000 to date, funding student scholarships, technology upgrades, and professional development. Most recently The Abney Foundation funded an endowment for the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy.
“The Abney Foundation made it possible for me to continue my education,” said President DeHay, who was the recipient of an Abney scholarship during his freshman year at Clemson University. “I wear my Abney pin with pride,” he added.
“The Abney Foundation creates an opportunity to continue your education and to achieve goals. With a partner like Abney, you can live your vision out every day.”
“You couldn’t have made a better choice than TCTC,” said Dr. Lisa McWherter, executive director of The Abney Foundation. “Tri-County is a springboard for your success, a place where your skills and abilities are nurtured and challenged.” She reminded the group that lifelong learning is essential and continual education is a marathon that doesn’t end. “When you have a chance, make someone else’s opportunity possible. Continue to carry the baton of gratitude as you go forward.”
“We congratulate you on the long hours and hard work you put in. We appreciate being a small part of your journey,” said Dr. Jay Meehan, chair of the board for The Abney Foundation.
Courtney White, executive director of the TCTC Foundation, second from left, and Dr. Jay Meehan, chair of the board for the Abney Foundation, third from left, talk with Abney Scholars during the luncheon.
Abney Foundation scholars pose with Dr. DeHay, Dr. Lisa McWherter, Carl Edwards and Dr. Jay Meehan.
Dr. Lisa McWherter, executive director of The Abney Foundation, left, poses with Carl Edwards.
Our College Family
in transition
Cameron Hepola is a full-time humanities instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division, where he teaches courses in philosophy, ethics, and religion. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian theology from Anderson University, a Master of Arts degree in philosophy and ethics from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and a Master of Arts degree in the history of religion in America from Duke University. Prior to accepting this full-time position, Hepola served as an adjunct instructor in philosophy and religion and as a humanities lecturer at TCTC.
Dr. Kaitlyn Samons is a communications instructor for the Arts and Sciences Division. She holds a Ph.D. through the Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design (RCID) program at Clemson University.
Joel Chavous joins the IT department as systems infrastructure engineer. His focus is on ensuring that our networks and systems at TCTC are secure and operational.
Dr. Katie Derr is the newest chemistry instructor joining the online and hybrid education team. Dr. Derr was teaching for TCTC in the lecturer position while completing her doctorate in organic chemistry from Clemson University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Murray State University, where she minored in physics and business administration. Her research and publications focus on sustainable materials, polymer science, and innovative approaches to upcycling post-consumer waste into high-strength composites.
Maggie Coughlin teaches speech, English, and humanities courses for the online and hybrid education team. Coughlin earned an associate degree in political science from the University of Rio Grande and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and communications. She holds multiple master’s degrees, including a Master of Arts degree in communication studies from Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts degree in humanities (art and visual media) from Tiffin University, and a Master of Arts degree in liberal arts/English from Clayton State University.
Hugh Pearson is a full-time instructor in the Business Technology Department. He teaches across both the Business Administration and Accounting programs. He has been part of our academic community for the past three years as an adjunct instructor in the Business Administration program.
Jason Norton is the Testing Center facilitator. In this role, he manages the physical testing environment for multiple types of tests while maintaining test integrity. He will also identify and address testing logistical issues and troubleshoot any testing software/system issues. Prior to accepting this full-time position, Norton worked in the Testing Center for two years in a part-time capacity. Norton is an alumnus of TCTC. He graduated cum laude in December 2022 with an associate degree in computer technology - cybersecurity/forensics emphasis.
Cami Miller is a financial aid advisor. She brings more than 21 years of experience in financial aid administration.
Lori Kramer also is a financial aid advisor. She has a strong background in customer service and relationship management.
Both assist our students and the Financial Aid Office by working directly with students to counsel and assist in all aspects of student aid eligibility, application, renewal, and financial planning.
Daniel Kuzbary is the director of Institutional Research, overseeing the office that acts as the College’s data and analytics hub. He comes to TCTC from Central Carolina Technical College where he served as director of Institutional Research. Kuzbary has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Furman University and a master’s degree in mathematical sciences from Clemson University.
Dory Talharim is a new administrative assistant supporting Institutional Research, Accreditation Compliance, Grants, and Organizational Development and Planning. She also manages the College’s repository of policies, procedures, and standing committee documentation, including charters, membership, and minutes.
excellence through service
Faculty Articles Published
Congratulations to English lecturer Karissa Maust on her recent peer-reviewed publication in the International Journal of English and Literature.
Maust’s article explores caregiver burnout through the lens of Charlotte Brontë’s “Villette,” drawing powerful connections between the emotional labor of Victorian governesses and the ongoing mental health challenges faced by women in caregiving professions today.
Meghan Chandler, an online adjunct English instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division and full-time teacher at D.W.
Daniel High School, has been honored with the 2025 Yale Educator Award by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
The Yale Educator Recognition Program celebrates outstanding teachers and counselors from around the globe who inspire and support students to achieve excellence. From a pool of 302 nominees representing 38 states and 22 countries, Chandler was one of only 61 teachers selected to receive this prestigious award.
Chandler was nominated by a matriculating Yale student, and a committee of admissions officers reviewed each nomination to select the recipients. This award is a testament to the incredible impact she has on her students, shaping their academic lives.
Raeneeva Davis Earns Academic Coaching Certification
Raeneeva Davis, learning strategist in the Learning Commons, successfully completed the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession’s (ACTP) Academic Coaching Certification in August. Davis traveled to Portland, Oregon, to participate in a four-day intensive institute with 58 other academic coaches from around the country. The ACTP Academic Coach Certification is tailored explicitly for coaching professionals in higher education. This institute combines psychological theories with best practices and application methods, all focused on understanding the complexities faced by today’s college students and promoting their academic success effectively. Davis is now added to the organization’s registry of nationally certified coaches. She will incorporate the new coaching skills she developed during the institute to enhance her coaching and teaching sessions.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September), the College held “Celebration de la Comida” events where crowds enjoyed authentic music and food.
Social sciences instructor Dr. Sheryl Attig authored an article titled, “Hypnosis, Psychedelics, and Creativity,” that was published in the International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis. This exciting piece, which includes abstracts in three languages, has already gained attention from international scholars—one of whom plans to feature it on his organization’s website. Beyond this publication, Dr. Attig is helping to shape the future of psychedelic research and education through her work with the Psychedelic Educator Network and the APA’s new therapist toolkit project.
Adjunct Biology Instructor Clarke McIntosh ’s article titled, “It’s Past Time to Change Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) Standards,” was published by the European Society of Medicine. His research calls for updated global nutrition standards to better identify at-risk children and improve health outcomes.
Spanish instructor Trini Tumlin was on hand to talk with students about the Spanish Club and the annual study abroad experience in Cuernavaca, Mexico, set for June 21–July 2, 2026.
Over the 12-day trip, students take classes at Universidad Internacional, a well-known Spanish immersion language school and live with local families.
Kayla Witthoeft Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
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Nursing is a family affair for Witthoeft, who works with both of her parents at OMH. Her father, who was a carpenter for most of his life, decided in his 50’s to go back to school and study to be a nurse, as well. He works in ICU like her, and her mother, also a TCTC graduate, works as a nurse on labor and delivery. “We’re a family of nurses,” she said.
Kayla Witthoeft, third from left, a two-time TCTC graduate, is the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. She earned a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree in 2010 and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in 2012.
Witthoeft poses with her family, pictured from left, Angie Cromer, her mother, a 1991 graduate of TCTC’s ADN program; Chip Cromer, her father, a 2011 graduate of TCTC’s ADN program; and Witthoeft’s husband, Troy. Witthoeft and her parents work as R.N.s at Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Vulcan Materials Company Named Philanthropist of the Year
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Courtney White, executive director of TCTC’s Foundation, presented the award to Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager of Vulcan Materials Company South Carolina Division located in Piedmont, S.C.
Vulcan Materials Company has been a loyal donor to the TCTC Foundation since 2018 when the company made its first gift in support of workforce development. Prompted by a need to secure employees with a specific skill set, Vulcan Materials organized the first clay shoot fundraiser in 2018 to raise money to purchase equipment for the College’s Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program. The inaugural event raised $47,000, and those proceeds were used to match the College’s capital expense funds to obtain a $235,705 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to launch the training program. A second event was held in 2019. Together these events raised a total of $141,560, all of which was directed toward purchasing equipment for the program.
“The goal of the HEO program is to serve as a talent pipeline for the construction and mining industries that are facing the loss of a large population of skilled operators who are preparing to retire in the next several years,” said Mary Corley, assistant dean of TCTC’s Engineering and Industrial Technology (EIT) Division. The national credential-based training is meeting the critical workforce needs in road construction, commercial construction, mining, and transportation companies in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.
“By taking the initiative to raise funds in such a meaningful way, Vulcan not only provided immediate support but also brought attention to the growing demand for qualified operators in the industry,” said Corley.
In August 2023, Vulcan made a $100,000 cornerstone gift to TCTC’s HEO program. “This transformative contribution helped
establish a state-of-the-art training program that is now a model for other institutions to follow,” said White.
Vulcan leveraged its vast network within the aggregate and construction, using their influence and personal relationships to secure an additional $125,000 in support of the program. TCTC plans to leverage these gifts with another potential grant to launch the program to the next level with additional equipment containing the newer technology that students will encounter on actual work sites. These planned equipment improvements were recommended by the training program’s advisory board, on which a Vulcan representative also serves, said Corley.
“This career pathway is crucial to our industry, and TCTC is helping lead the way with this operator training program,” said Botzis.
“Vulcan Materials Company’s sustained philanthropic actions have been instrumental in establishing a program that is not only crucial to TCTC’s workforce but also serves as a national example of how community and industry can collaborate to address workforce needs,” said TCTC President Galen DeHay.
“Since 2017, Elliott Botzis has been a driving force in support of workforce training for heavy equipment operators at TCTC,” said Corley. “Not only has he been a champion within Vulcan Materials to benefit our training program, but he has also been a champion in encouraging other companies within the mining and construction community to support this program, which has resulted in additional financial contributions to expand and improve this program. Elliott’s passion for advancing the mining and construction industries and his tireless dedication in supporting Tri-County’s Heavy Equipment Operator training program have been a catalyst for the success of this program’s graduates, and his legacy will live on in the graduates who continue to enter the workforce in careers as equipment operators in these industries,” Corley said.
Board of Visitors Meeting Held at Easley Campus
The Board of Visitors (BOV) met on September 10 at the Easley Campus for its quarterly meeting. President DeHay welcomed new members and gave briefings on fall enrollment, the College’s new strategic initiatives and upcoming events.
The BOV is a group of community leaders who serves as an extension of the College through the President’s Office and works as advocates and ambassadors for Tri-County.
The meeting centered around “Getting to Know Pickens County,” with President DeHay outlining specific economic data about Pickens County before introducing members of the panel discussion. Panelists included Steve Wolin, chief operating officer of Reliable Sprinkler; Dr. Danny Merck, superintendent of the School District of Pickens County; Julie Capaldi, president/CEO of United Way of Pickens County; and Daniel Adams, director of TCTC’s Easley Campus.
Panelists agreed that one of the greatest strengths of Pickens County lies in the strong collaboration, working together in real time to respond to needs.
When asked how the BOV leaders could assist to move important initiatives forward, responses included sharing success stories that are impactful and through constructive feedback.
Christina Steward Credits TCTC, UWPC with Achieving Career, Financial Stability
Christina Steward says the partnership between Tri-County Technical College and the United Way of Pickens County (UWPC) played a big role in helping her become a registered nurse and achieve financial stability.
Steward, who works as an R.N. at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital, was the first to graduate from UWPC’s Pathways program which is dedicated to improving workplace productivity, retention, attendance, financial stability, and wellbeing for employees.
UWPC partners with local community agencies to develop resources and opportunities to help individuals and families become financially secure and independent, said Jeremy Price, vice president of corporate engagement for UWPC.
It’s one of the various United Way initiatives that TCTC faculty and staff contribute to during the organization’s annual campaign currently underway at the College. Pickens County residents, some of whom are TCTC students and graduates like Steward, benefit from these donations to the United Way.
After receiving a certified nurse aide certification at TCTC, Steward went on to earn Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate Degree Nursing (R.N.) degrees from TCTC and settled into a job at Clemson Downs, where she worked for seven years. In 2023, she accepted a position as an R.N. at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital on the medical surgical unit.
For many families like Steward’s, the COVID pandemic had lifealtering effects on her and her four children, ages 5 to 16. “I reached out to their school about the availability of financial resources and the ad litem told me about the United Way Pathways program that teaches families about financial management,” she said. Steward and her family were the first to be accepted into the program and were paired with UWPC’s part-time financial coach counselor Joe Walker.
Walker led Steward through a year-and-a-half-long Pathways program that included weekly one-on-one intensive coaching sessions dedicated to learning and incorporating long-term changes that can lead to financial stability.
Over the last few years, Steward began to be able to save for a downpayment on a house by working overtime and strictly adhering to her budget.
She is grateful to TCTC and UWPC, who individually contributed to her academic and financial successes.
Earlier this year she became a first-time homeowner after renting for all of her adult life.
“We closed on the house in February,” she said. “The United Way Pathways program changed our lives.”
Panelists included, from left, Steve Wolin, chief operating officer of Reliable Sprinkler; Dr. Danny Merck, superintendent of the School District of Pickens County; Julie Capaldi, president/CEO of United Way of Pickens County; and Daniel Adams, director of TCTC’s Easley Campus.
Christina Steward
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Student Nurses Association Sponsors BSN Expo
The Student Nurses Association (SNA) held its fall BSN Expo September 16 for all Pre-Nursing and Nursing students to meet with BSN college and university representatives to help them determine which path is best suited to continue their nursing education. There were 11 colleges and universities on site and 144 students attended.
“Earning a BSN degree is the goal of many of our Nursing graduates,” said Katie Anderson, Associate Degree Nursing instructor and SNA faculty advisor. “This event is a great way for students to talk with representatives from BSN programs to learn about requirements and prerequisites and what their path will look like,” said Anderson. “It’s important to plan now,” she added.
